RNS 510 retrofit

[MKynaston]

My mate recently upgraded his RNS 510 and offered to sell me his for around $200. I jumped at this although there is an isssue with the media button, I still thought it was a great price. I have a 2007 Gt golf with the RCD 300. As I understand I need to upgrade the canbus to avoid the battery drain issue. Can someone confirm this? If so where is the best place to purchase and install. Or is it an easy DIY? The old radio plugs for the RCD 300 also do not plug straight into the RNS 510. Im guessing I just need a simple adapter. To enable to sat nav do I also need to install a gps antenna? He gave me the one that came with his new RNS as his is wired through his sharkfin. Can this just be placed behind the unit, or does it have to be above the dash? Anything else I need to know? Sorry about all the questions, I'm just quite new and thought I'd confirm with people who have a better understanding than me. I've checked the forum, but I just wanted to make sure I get it right. Thanks in advance

[MKynaston]

Anyone know the answers? I'm quite out of my depth here and would appreciate the help.

[gle1234]

Hi mate. I haven't done this DIY but have read a bit about it as I've considered it in the past.

First things first you need to have the code for the radio, get your mate to get that from the dealer if he doesn't already have it.

There's also a ton of info already online regarding this.

Regarding the CanBus Gateway, I don't think anyone will give you a definitive answer as to whether your CanBus needs upgrading. From my experience, people usually say MY08 onwards has the correct revision, so you may need to change it, but you need a VCDS scan to determine that for sure.

Seeing where you're based, I would get this guy to sort you out with the required parts and installation if you're unsure about it:
Other Ads from Vincent | Gumtree Australia. I have spoken with him before, gets back to you quickly and if I was in the state I'd have gone with him.

And here's people talking about his work and the installation: RCD510 Installed [Archive] - VWGolf.net.au - Australian VW Golf Forum

I can't see the new CanBus currently listed but I would just ask him about it as he usually has it listed. They usually cost $80-$100 and he charges $100 for a CanBus installation it I think.

You will also obviously need a GPS antenna to make the GPS work. Generic antennas seem to do the job from what I've read, doesn't have to be VW specific. they can go under the vent in the top of the dash or just on the dash. have seen both ways done.

Not sure about the antenna adaptor, here's a RNS510 installation DIY for you to read:

DIY - RNS510 Install


In short, the physical install of the Head Unit is easy enough, it's the ambiguity around the CanBus where you'd need someone to help determine which revision you have, and if a new one needs to be installed, the new part needs to be coded to your car before it will work.

Hope I've been of some help - For those that have installed, If I've given the wrong advice feel free to let me know and I will correct it.

[MKynaston]

Mate thanks for taking the time to reply, appreciate it. Yeah seems to me that the canbus will be the biggest issue, I'll have a chat to the guy you linked. Picked up the antenna adapter today so that's all good. Just have to figure out this Canbus issue. Hopefull all goes well. Thanks again for the reply.

[kamold]

There are a few options.
1. Install a newer CANBus gateway.
2. Upgrade the firmware on your existing CANbus gateway (need correct software tools)
3. Install the josi battery drain fix (this swaps some tables in the RNS to stop the battery drain issue). This depends somewhat on what firmware version you have.

Do you know what firmware version is on the unit?
To me the best solution is to upgrade the gateway (either physically or install new software) and then upgrade the RNS to latest available 5238 firmware.

[twoeyes]

How did you go with this? get it sorted or did you put it into the to hard basket?
if so i would be keen to buy unit from you.

Iain